This species possess the following distinguishing characters: no defined cleithral spine (4-6% SL), rudiment of the spine medial to the opercular spine; absence of a black blotch on the first dorsal fin, although a red spot is present in fresh material; round scales on trunk; naked prepectoral and interpelvic area, usually scaled breast and rarely naked; scaled belly; pectoral fin usually with 13 (rarely 14) connected rays, a black blotch near base and membranes; pectoral length 35-44% SL, longest free ray 32-36% SL; 0-1 epibranchial gill rakers, 10-13 ceratobranchial gill rakers, short (2-3% SL); 27 (rarely 26) vertebrae (Ref. 54796).